Conservation Buffers

Conservation buffers are strips of vegetation placed in the landscape to influence ecological processes and provide a variety of goods and services to us. They are called by many names, including wildlife corridors, greenways, windbreaks, and filter strips to name just a few.

The two most common buffers are:

Vegetative Buffers: Buffers with mainly grass and forbs mixes.

Forest Buffers: Buffers with trees and shrubs which may also include grass and forbs plantings.

Benefits that conservation buffers provide to us include:

protecting soil resources

improving air and water quality

enhancing fish and wildlife habitat

beautifying the landscape.

In addition, buffers offer landowners an array of economic opportunities including protection and enhancement of existing enterprises.

Learn more

Conservation Buffers – USDA -- Resources for planning and designing buffers in rural and urban landscapes, including access to the 100-page Design Guidelines for Buffers, Corridors, and Greenways, and a literature review listing 1400 publications.